Mercedes Unveils "Drive Pilot": The First SAE Level 3 Certified Autonomous Technology in the U.S.

Mercedes-Benz is preparing the DRIVE PILOT version off to a flying start and becoming the first-ever automaker to develop a certified SAE Level 3 autonomous driving technology in the United States. It will be available in the fourth quarter of this year, through a subscription model to residents of California and Nevada. The automaker plans to widen the boundaries and make the feature available in more states.

The setup will be available firstly on the electric EQS sedan and S Class, marked under the name: “Drive Pilot: First Class”. This feature will provide the owners with a hand-free drive system and the possibility to divert their eyes and attention from the road. Despite this, the drivers should be ready to regain control in the blink of an eye, meaning they can’t sleep while using the system.

Representing a significant leap in automated driving technology, DRIVE PILOT lays the groundwork for a safer, technology-driven future. It offers a unique value proposition by giving users back their valuable time spent in traffic.

Available exclusively in California and Nevada, the technology can be activated through the Mercedes me connect store. The annual subscription starts at $2,500 for the first year, with additional "option offers" to be announced shortly.

Operational from speeds as low as 40 mph in suitable freeway conditions, DRIVE PILOT employs a plethora of sensors, including cameras and LiDAR, to navigate the road effortlessly. The system also utilizes microphones to detect the presence of emergency vehicles.

Mercedes' DRIVE PILOT is a pioneering system, being the only internationally recognized and approved autonomous driving technology with a Level 3 classification. It was meticulously engineered with an array of diverse sensor types, emphasizing redundancy as the key to enhancing safety in automated driving for Level 3 and above.

As the technology rolls out by the end of this year, Mercedes is optimistic that it will gain wider adoption among 2024 model owners. The automaker is also working diligently to obtain approval for DRIVE PILOT in other states.